w00t! 1 Series 2-door, Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet and Touring Spy Pics

[Alex Baumann]

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3688&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3689&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3690&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3691&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3692&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80

All images are courtesy of Automedia

[Patrick]

Hmm ... I might have to change my username to Patrick 120iT! :D

The Touring looks good. :thumbup:


-

[WILLIA///M]

The coupe looks pretty interesting. Not sure about the sedan.

[FrenchBoy]

The stance of the coupe looks incredible :thumbup: :thumbup:

Cannot wait to see more info about it.

FrenchBoy

[Sean]

I'm liking the coupe! :yumyum:

[Pete Teoh]

I'm liking the coupe! :yumyum:
When can I place an order?

[The HACK]

Looks good, thanks Alex. Jon/Phillipe/Ted W., when can I place a deposit for E.D.? :D

[Jeff_DML]

coupe looks like a possible winner :thumbup:

touring just looks like a shrunken 3 touring to me :confused:

[blueguydotcom]

Hmmm. The Coupe convertible looks like a cross between a Mazda3 and Volvo S70 cab. Uh, yuck.

Maybe with the taillights as they should be and 18s it'll look good. I sure hope so...

[Sean]

Looks good, thanks Alex. Jon/Phillipe/Ted W., when can I place a deposit for E.D.? :D

I just want to place a deposit. :thumbup:

[philippek]

Looks good, thanks Alex. Jon/Phillipe/Ted W., when can I place a deposit for E.D.? :D

30 seconds after I place my deposit. That coupe is HOT!

[Chris90]

3 door and 4 door are disappointing - I actually like the 5 door more than the 3. The coupe looks really distinctive - looks like a Peugeot coupe (the 406?) - which is a good thing. Don't really like the high door sills and small window though - that's a bad trend that I don't like (Audi TT, 350Z etc). Plus it makes for a poor driver's view of the road.

Any more angles on the coupe?
I find it hard to believe that we won't get a sedan if they make one (which they obviously are).

[The HACK]

30 seconds after I place my deposit. That coupe is HOT!
Not fair...:(

[Kaz]

The coupe and touring look decent. That CS1 rocker panel cutline is pretty bad, though. Makes the cars look like a fat cat with a ground-dragging belly.

[The HACK]

The coupe and touring look decent. That CS1 rocker panel cutline is pretty bad, though. Makes the cars look like a fat cat with a ground-dragging belly.
Hey, if that thing comes in 2,900 lbs and has a 300 hp motor (the M version), the car could look like f**kin' Garfield for all I care and I'd still hit it.

Can I order one in Orange with dark orange stripes like a tabby please? Thank you.

[Motown328]

Hey, if that thing comes in 2,900 lbs and has a 300 hp motor (the M version), the car could look like f**kin' Garfield for all I care and I'd still hit it.

Can I order one in Orange with dark orange stripes like a tabby please? Thank you.


HEAR YE HEAR YE!!!! The word has been spoken!!!

Shame to think politics and an exchange rate might interfere with the latest and greatest BMW from making it to our shores. :thumbdwn:

[ARCHER]

I dig the coupe. Send it through the M division and I'm all over it. :thumbup:

[Sean]

Can't stop thinking about a M Version 2 dr. Coupe. BMW, we want this car! Build and bring it to the US and you'll sell them in droves. :thumbup:

[Clarke]

It know there is no chance but I'd love a M version of the 3 or 5 door.:banghead:

[scottn2retro]

Can't stop thinking about a M Version 2 dr. Coupe. BMW, we want this car! Build and bring it to the US and you'll sell them in droves. :thumbup:

I'd even think about ditching the S54 M Roadster for one :)

[Chris90]

Seems like universal love for the M1/M2 - I want one too. it's the only new BMW I really like.

[Sean]

I'd even think about ditching the S54 M Roadster for one :)


I would ditch my brothers 99 M Roadster, my 01 330Ci and my 92 525i for one. :p :rofl:

The E30 M3 isn't going anywhere! :bigpimp:

[Sean]

Seems like universal love for the M1/M2 - I want one too. it's the only new BMW I really like.


Ditto! :thumbup:

[hmr]

Hmm, the coupe in the 3rd picture (nice!) looks different than the coupe in the 1st picture. :confused: It looks like it has a sleeker rear hatch area. Or could it be that it has only a trunk?

[swchang]

Hmm, the coupe in the 3rd picture (nice!) looks different than the coupe in the 1st picture. :confused: It looks like it has a sleeker rear hatch area. Or could it be that it has only a trunk?

I think they're different. In fact, it seems that all five are different. 2-door wagon, convertible, coupe, 4-door wagon, sedan.

The coupe looks a little bloated. :(

[Bobby 325i]

The coupe version looks awesome...:thumbup:

[pony_trekker]

I certainly do.

[Betcour]

I love how the coupé looks, but I don't quite see myself downgrading from a 3-serie coupé to a 1-serie coupé and giving up on a 6 cylinder :(

Also the convertible looks a lot like the Z4 :dunno:

[Sean]

I love how the coupé looks, but I don't quite see myself downgrading from a 3-serie coupé to a 1-serie coupé and giving up on a 6 cylinder :(


I could especially if the weight is down, handling is improved, along with the steering (feedback). If the car truly is a "back to basics BMW" it will sell like hotcakes to all the "real" BMW enthusiasts. For those that fall into that category HP is not as important as a vehicle that handles insanely well. I would say most would accept a minimum of 200 HP out of a four banger, but BMW NA is not going to bring a 4 banger back into the States. The M version will have a 6 and more than likely a 3.0 putting out 300 HP or close to it.

[blueguydotcom]

I could especially if the weight is down, handling is improved, along with the steering (feedback). If the car truly is a "back to basics BMW" it will sell like hotcakes to all the "real" BMW enthusiasts. For those that fall into that category HP is not as important as a vehicle that handles insanely well. I would say most would accept a minimum of 200 HP out of a four banger, but BMW NA is not going to bring a 4 banger back into the States. The M version will have a 6 and more than likely a 3.0 putting out 300 HP or close to it.

So real enthusiasts only want handling? okay...

I'll stick to being a poseur who wants exceptional handling and insane power wrapped in a luxurious little car. I know, I'm silly. It's not good enough to go fast through the twisties, I want the power to explode out of them.

[Sean]

So real enthusiasts only want handling? okay...

I'll stick to being a poseur who wants exceptional handling and insane power wrapped in a luxurious little car. I know, I'm silly. It's not good enough to go fast through the twisties, I want the power to explode out of them.

BMW AG is trying to appeal to the masses = BMW is losing it's core values. Many long time BMW owners such as myself feel that most BMW buyers today are purchasing BMWs for one reason, the Roundel on the hood and trunk.

My 0.02

[andy_thomas]

[QUOTE=Sean]BMW AG is trying to appeal to the masses = BMW is losing it's core values.
[//quote]

BMW AG? Or BMW NA?

The 3er has been the second best-selling car (behind the Golf) in Germany for years. That isn't appealing to the masses? :)

[Sean]

The 3er has been the second best-selling car (behind the Golf) in Germany for years. That isn't appealing to the masses? :)

VW and BMW don't really fall into the same category of automobiles.

[FrenchBoy]

Many long time BMW owners such as myself feel that most BMW buyers today are purchasing BMWs for one reason, the Roundel on the hood and trunk.


It may sadden you but the reality is BMW is not in the business of making cars for the auto enthusiasts only. They are in the business of selling cars.

Fortunately to us, they often keep the enthusiast in mind when designing them. Additionally, their selling of more cars to the "masses" ensures BMW's continued ability to produce lower-volume cars like the M3/M5/Z8 etc. that we all lust for.

[racerdave]

VW and BMW don't really fall into the same category of automobiles.

Why do you say that?

[Sean]

Why do you say that?


Majority of the VWs are FWD, exception would be 4Motion.

[The HACK]

How much HP can you really pack into a car that weighs 2,900 lbs?

I drove the Nissan Sentra SE-R spec V for a week and that car has about 200 HP mated to a 2,700 lbs frame. Light weight FWD vehicle and high HP does not mix. RWD will alleviate some of that problem, but a 2,900-3,000 lbs car with more than 300 hp doesn't make sense, you'll be slipping all day on launch and really only be able to use a small percentage of that HP. If you equipe the 1/2 er with the same tires and suspension, and put in a 400hp vs. 275hp motor, I can almost guarantee you that both motor will get the same 0-60 time if they weight the same, and the 275 hp car will likely be faster if the 400hp motor is heavier.

No, us "real" enthusiasts want a good package, not marketed b.s. about HP. In order to get "real" performance out of a 300+ hp packaged mounted on a supposed 3,000 lbs frame, you will need the stiffest, F1 like suspension coupled with wide, stickie compouds (neither of which will happen). If you're a real enthusiast instead of one of those "fast and the furious" racers you'd understand that speed comes from a harmony between engine power and a chassis to handle that power.

[racerdave]

I see... the reason I was asking is because the Euro BMW's really have a wide variety of engines which mean that in terms of displacement and relative price, they're not tremendously different in the lower ranges.

[blueguydotcom]

How much HP can you really pack into a car that weighs 2,900 lbs?

I drove the Nissan Sentra SE-R spec V for a week and that car has about 200 HP mated to a 2,700 lbs frame. Light weight FWD vehicle and high HP does not mix. RWD will alleviate some of that problem, but a 2,900-3,000 lbs car with more than 300 hp doesn't make sense, you'll be slipping all day on launch and really only be able to use a small percentage of that HP. If you equipe the 1/2 er with the same tires and suspension, and put in a 400hp vs. 275hp motor, I can almost guarantee you that both motor will get the same 0-60 time if they weight the same, and the 275 hp car will likely be faster if the 400hp motor is heavier.

No, us "real" enthusiasts want a good package, not marketed b.s. about HP. In order to get "real" performance out of a 300+ hp packaged mounted on a supposed 3,000 lbs frame, you will need the stiffest, F1 like suspension coupled with wide, stickie compouds (neither of which will happen). If you're a real enthusiast instead of one of those "fast and the furious" racers you'd understand that speed comes from a harmony between engine power and a chassis to handle that power.

Is there something wrong with an M series 1/2 that sports wide, soft tires and a super tight suspension? My ZHP has a soft suspension (for me) and neither wide nor soft tires (255/35 18 Potenzas), but it's biggest strike is the lack of power coming out of corners. Even at 5k rpm the car doesn't rocket the way I want. Hopefully a lighter, tighter M1/M2 with 300 HP will get the job done right.

[Sean]

How much HP can you really pack into a car that weighs 2,900 lbs?

I drove the Nissan Sentra SE-R spec V for a week and that car has about 200 HP mated to a 2,700 lbs frame. Light weight FWD vehicle and high HP does not mix. RWD will alleviate some of that problem, but a 2,900-3,000 lbs car with more than 300 hp doesn't make sense, you'll be slipping all day on launch and really only be able to use a small percentage of that HP. If you equipe the 1/2 er with the same tires and suspension, and put in a 400hp vs. 275hp motor, I can almost guarantee you that both motor will get the same 0-60 time if they weight the same, and the 275 hp car will likely be faster if the 400hp motor is heavier.

No, us "real" enthusiasts want a good package, not marketed b.s. about HP. In order to get "real" performance out of a 300+ hp packaged mounted on a supposed 3,000 lbs frame, you will need the stiffest, F1 like suspension coupled with wide, stickie compouds (neither of which will happen). If you're a real enthusiast instead of one of those "fast and the furious" racers you'd understand that speed comes from a harmony between engine power and a chassis to handle that power.


:thumbup: :thumbup:

[andy_thomas]

How much HP can you really pack into a car that weighs 2,900 lbs?



WOT reply, but...

Over 600 bhp, if the Mclaren F1 was anything to go by. That car is already 11 years old, and weighed considerably less than 2,900 lb. Many automotive types reckoned the chassis could have withstood a steady 1,000 bhp before it needed serious work. Only 1992-vintage tyre technology prevented it from going faster.

Nearer to earth, the (RWD obviously) Caterham R500 Evolution has 250 bhp and 190 lb-ft in a package weighing around 1,050 lb. It goes from 0-100 mph in 6.9 sec, and 100-0 in 3.6 seconds - quicker than an Enzo, and certainly any Porsche/Merc/TVR etc. Not even one of the fastest production superbikes (e.g. a GSX-R) can match it from 0-100-0. You can stick it on the road, register it, drive it to the shops. Not in the US of course :).

Price? £42,000. Yes it is rather a lot for a four-wheeled bike...

[The HACK]

WOT reply, but...

Over 600 bhp, if the Mclaren F1 was anything to go by. That car is already 11 years old, and weighed considerably less than 2,900 lb. Many automotive types reckoned the chassis could have withstood a steady 1,000 bhp before it needed serious work. Only 1992-vintage tyre technology prevented it from going faster.

Nearer to earth, the (RWD obviously) Caterham R500 Evolution has 250 bhp and 190 lb-ft in a package weighing around 1,050 lb. It goes from 0-100 mph in 6.9 sec, and 100-0 in 3.6 seconds - quicker than an Enzo, and certainly any Porsche/Merc/TVR etc. Not even one of the fastest production superbikes (e.g. a GSX-R) can match it from 0-100-0. You can stick it on the road, register it, drive it to the shops. Not in the US of course :).

Price? £42,000. Yes it is rather a lot for a four-wheeled bike...
Those two examples are the extreme and there's no way BMW can possibly make anything remotely close to that sort of spec AND make it comfortable enough for a daily driver AND economical in terms of price.

And the big Mac had F1 like suspension parts. You CAN make a lightweight and high HP car, but you can't make it so that it's practical. On street-able cars, 10lbs to a horse is pretty good. You get to anything less than that you'll need some seriously beefy engineering that goes into the suspension to make use of the engine/chassis combo.

[blueguydotcom]

Those two examples are the extreme and there's no way BMW can possibly make anything remotely close to that sort of spec AND make it comfortable enough for a daily driver AND economical in terms of price.

And the big Mac had F1 like suspension parts. You CAN make a lightweight and high HP car, but you can't make it so that it's practical. On street-able cars, 10lbs to a horse is pretty good. You get to anything less than that you'll need some seriously beefy engineering that goes into the suspension to make use of the engine/chassis combo.


I think he was simply trying to point out that a BMW's chassis would probably be just fine with 300-400 hp.

[WileECoyote]

How much HP can you really pack into a car that weighs 2,900 lbs?

...but a 2,900-3,000 lbs car with more than 300 hp doesn't make sense, you'll be slipping all day on launch and really only be able to use a small percentage of that HP.


How much is the M Roadster - 3100?

[LmtdSlip]

:thumbup:

I really like the 3 door and the Cab. You can keep the 5 door, id never own it.

[andy_thomas]

Those two examples are the extreme


They certainly are :). The Caterham, despite being a car three fit blokes can lift off the ground, is particularly good at putting its power down, making explosive getaways relatively easy.

Oddly I've seen several Maccas in recent years, but never a Caterham R500. Or R400 or R300. From what you read in Autocar, CAR etc. you'd think there was a mad Brit howling round every street corner in one. The comfortable truth is that most of 'em drive four-seat, Detroit-related products....

[Andre Yew]

The Big Mac had 627 bhp (BMW S70/2 engine :thumbup: ), and weighed between 1000 and 1100 kg (2200 to 2400 lbs), was constructed of hand-laid carbon fiber, and cost about $1 million, so it's not exactly a practical car. You could apparently spin the wheels at almost any gear you wanted to, and the car had no driver aids --- no traction control, no power steering, no ABS. The throttle response was apparently quite "vivid" (Gordon Murray's word and intent) as well, so it probably takes a delicate technique to drive that car well.

I think the real issue for high HP cars is aerodynamics at high speeds as well as good brakes and tires, since those cars should be seeing very high speeds. What's really scary for me is that high HP cars are becoming affordable and prevalent, and are being driven by people who don't know how to drive, and who may not know the car's true character from their docile runabout behavior in town or the freeway --- how many people do you know who mash their throttle or pop their brakes off at really bad moments? Imagine that magnified by 400+ lbs-ft of torque.

--Andre

[The Roadstergal]

I LOVE the 3-door hatch and the touring!

The coupe doesn't do it for me like I thought it would.

If we get it here, I could see myself in that 3-door hatch. Very cool.

[The Roadstergal]

How much is the M Roadster - 3100?

Right about, and 315 is nowhere near the limit of what the car can handle.

If they reinforce the diff mounts. :(

[amancuso]

http://box.motorline.cc/slideshow/image.asp?id=3688&width=660&height=440&text=auto&quality=80



All images are courtesy of Automedia


Does anyone not notice how this car looks like a Ford Focus from the doors back???


-Al.

[1seriesfanatic]

With the new generation of valvetronic engines, even BMW's 4cyl engines put out decent power. Apparently the new 3.0L and 2.5L will put out 258hp and 231hp respectively with the 2.0L 4cyl putting out 177hp. Thats not too bad as its close to what the current 325i has now. With the lighter car, the performance should be pretty close to the 325i too.

[andy_thomas]

With the new generation of valvetronic engines, even BMW's 4cyl engines put out decent power. Apparently the new 3.0L and 2.5L will put out 258hp and 231hp respectively with the 2.0L 4cyl putting out 177hp. Thats not too bad as its close to what the current 325i has now. With the lighter car, the performance should be pretty close to the 325i too.

BMW's new 2.0 4-pot Valvetronic motor makes 150 bhp in the 120i. (143 bhp for an engine of the same capacity in the 318i.) It also makes 148 lb-ft of torque, and in its class this is a very good figure.

[1seriesfanatic]

BMW's new 2.0 4-pot Valvetronic motor makes 150 bhp in the 120i. (143 bhp for an engine of the same capacity in the 318i.) It also makes 148 lb-ft of torque, and in its class this is a very good figure.

The 2.0L engine in the upcoming 120i is not from BMW's next generation of Valvetronic engines. I would imagine that after the 2006 debut of the new 3-series, BMW will revamp the engines in the rest of their line-up. So in a few years the 120i will be due for a power bump. Although you are right that the current engine is sufficient for its class.